NFL, NFLPA say there is 'no evidence' that Eric Reid was unfairly targeted with drug tests

FILE - In this Nov. 25, 2018, file photo, Carolina Panthers strong safety Eric Reid (25) kneels along the sideline during the national anthem before the start of an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks in Charlotte, N.C. Reid says he is “not surprised” he has been drug tested by the NFL five times in 11 weeks (plus two more when he signed with Panthers).(Photo: The Associated Press)

The NFL and NFL Players' Association said in a joint statement Wednesday that Carolina Panthers safety Eric Reid was not unfairly administered drug tests during the season.

Reid, who was the first NFL player to kneel alongside Colin Kaepernick as a means of protesting racial inequality, had repeatedly alleged that he was being targeted by the league after signing with the Panthers earlier this season. Reid said last month that he had been randomly selected for a drug test five times in an 11-game span; only 10 players per team are randomly tested per week. (He was also twice tested as part of his physical when he joined the Panthers.)

The NFL and the NFLPA said an independent administrator had reviewed Reid's claims and issued a report on the findings. The administrator determined that there was "no evidence of targeting or any other impropriety with respect to his selection for testing."

"The report also demonstrates that Mr. Reid's tests were randomly generated via computer algorithm," the NFL and NFLPA said in the statement, "and that his selection for testing was normal when compared with the number of tests players were randomly selected for throughout the league during the time that he was on an active roster."

The entities did not release any additional details within the report, citing "personal and confidential testing information," but said a copy had been provided to Reid.

Reid, 27, filed a collusion grievance against the NFL last summer, and the grievance was still active as of last month. A 2013 Pro Bowl selection, he recorded 71 total tackles and an interception in 13 games with the Panthers this season.